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Fabulous Favor Idea: Color-Coded Candy

partysugar — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 16:00:35 -0700

Last night I went to a fashion party at Carrots with FabSugar, and I came across the cutest favor idea: color-coded candy! The boutique always decorates in orange and they carried the theme over to create a gorgeously delectable candy spread. I plan on re-creating the idea for an upcoming party. You can, too! To learn how,

Yummy Links: From Food Photography to Budget Weddings

partysugar — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 07:45:36 -0700

Tips for taking the most beautiful food photos. — Vegan Yum Yum
Learn how to participate in a hunger challenge. — Cooking With Amy
Simple and delicious: Asian pear and gouda grilled cheese sandwich. — Chow
More on Hershey's chocolate's new formula. — Candy Blog
Chopping chocolate is easy if you use a serrated knife.— The Kitchn
Hold a bake sale for kids' cancer.— The Epi-Log
Why do Italian noodles cost a lot more than their Chinese counterparts? — Serious Eats
Breakfast ideas to keep you full until lunch.— FitSugar
Tricks for keeping your wedding menu costs to a minimum. — InStyle Weddings

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Happy Hour: X-Rated Fusion Liqueur

partysugar — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 13:00:54 -0700

While I normally prefer a classic cocktail or a glass of good whiskey, I've been known to enjoy a girly drink (or two) in my lifetime. Recently I've become obsessed with this brilliantly pink liqueur, X-Rated ($27).

At first, the cheesy name and vibrant color made me nervous. I was afraid it was going to be overly sweet — more like cough syrup than a luscious liqueur. However, the rosy liquid is absolutely delicious! A fusion of French vodka and organic blood orange, mango, and passion fruit juices, the liqueur tastes fresh not artificial. It's sweet, but not overly so. I served a chilled shot to girlfriends before a night on the town, but it would also be a flavorful addition to specialty cocktails.

If you're hosting a bachelorette party or bridal shower, consider serving X-Rated. Your girlfriends will love the taste and the experience of sampling a new liqueur. A bottle also makes a lovely birthday gift for a fashionable 21-year-old.

Have you tried X-Rated? What did you think?

Behind the Scenes: A Foodie Wedding

partysugar — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 05:30:07 -0700

A little while back we came up with 10 ways to turn your wedding into a foodie fantasy. We created this list to help Sabs, a Sugar gal, host her very own foodie wedding! All of her dreams came true last Friday, Aug. 8, when after four years of engagement, she was married! Here, I take you on a behind-the-scenes look at her fabulous foodie ceremony and reception.

How to Cook For Two

partysugar — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 09:00:57 -0700

The majority of recipes feed groups of four to six people, making it hard to find dishes that simply serve two. However, if you are a newlywed cooking for your husband or wife, you will need to learn how to cook smaller servings. While it's easy to cut a recipe in half, there are many other tricks that make cooking for two easy as pie. To check out my tips on how to cook in small quantities,

New Life, New Cookbooks

YumSugar — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 12:15:45 -0700

Whether you just got married, made the move in together or simply want to turn over a new leaf, make sure you have the guides to basic cooking fundamentals.

Start out with the gastronomic essentials featured below, which range from classic cookbooks by the world's foremost chefs to quick and simple meal ideas. Follow up with specialty books like Party Basics For the New Nesters. It's a newlyweds guide to hosting fabulous fetes!

Already have a solid cookbook library? This collection makes a great wedding gift — and it won't be sold out on the registry.

Yummy Links: From Pac-Man Cupcakes to Dog Meat

partysugar — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 09:00:04 -0700

Wow your geek friends with a Pac-man cupcake cake. — Slashfood
Suggestions for making the perfect wedding toast. — Chow
Speaking of weddings, here are five tips for picking the best caterer. — GlamDish
What exactly is fondant. — Baking Bites
Do you have what it takes to win a Major League Eating competition? Find out when you play Nintendo Wii's new Major League Eating: the Game. — Serious Eats
Use a bundt pan to easily remove corn kernels from the cob. — Simply Recipes
Celebrate the season's first tomatoeswith rosemary, garlic, and a grill. — The Kitchn
Chinese officials have confirmed that dog meat will NOT be served at any restaurants connected to the Beijing Olympic games. — The Epi-Log

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Come Party With Me: Housewarming Party — Invite

partysugar — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 10:15:23 -0700

Hunting for a new house, packing everything you own, and moving is seriously exhausting. However, once you are settled into your new space, consider hosting a housewarming party. Think of the housewarming like a reward for the move.

Invite friends and family members over for a tour and tapas. Introduce them to your place while tantalizing their tastebuds with delicious bites. Start by selecting a date and sending invitations. To learn how I made these simple, stylish invites,

Five Honeymoon Ideas For Foodies

YumSugar — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 03:00:20 -0700

Yesterday I gave you some tips about scoring restaurant reservations on your honeymoon, but how about planning an entirely food-centric getaway? Many galloping gourmets choose a destination city known for its dining — think Las Vegas, New York, and London — but you can also take it a step further and give your whole honeymoon a culinary flavor. Here are five honeymoon ideas for food-loving couples.

Plan a getaway at a cooking school. Many of the world's top culinary academies offer vacations that combine cooking instruction with relaxation.
Choose a resort with cooking classes. Just interested in a slight food focus? Some upscale resorts, such as the Four Seasons, offer one-off cooking courses that you can take during a stay.

For more tips on planning your wedding go to IDoSugar. To see three more ideas,

Find the Best Food on Your Honeymoon

YumSugar — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 11:15:06 -0700

If you're a foodie who's headed out on a honeymoon, you're probably more worried about booking restaurant reservations than you are about booking a massage. After all, we wouldn't want to travel to exotic locales and miss out on the culinary highlights, would we? Thankfully, finding and securing the right restaurant reservations on your honeymoon just takes some planning. Here are some tips to help you along, whether you're going on a postwedding vacation or just traveling any old time.

If fine dining is important to you, choose a destination known for its foodie appeal, such as New York, London, or Spain.
If a "must-eat" is on your list, book it as soon as you book your trip. Particularly if it's a destination restaurant, think about getting reservations months and months in advance. Remember to confirm your reservations before you leave.
If you don't have a place in mind, start researching the best restaurants after you've decided on your honeymoon destination. Special magazine issues, such as Food and Wine's The Go List, are great for finding ideas, as is the New York Times travel dining guide. The forums on Chowhound are also a helpful resource.

To get more wedding planning ideas, head over to IDoSugar. Four more great tips, so

Mario Kart Wedding Cake Tops Them All

partysugar — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 06:43:10 -0700

Mario Kart Wedding Cake Tops Them All
I literally did a huge geek gasp when I saw this exquisite Mario Kart Cake on Flickr the other day. Stop me if you've heard this before but, this one has to beat all the other yummy geek cakes I've ever seen!

Come Party With Me: Bachelorette — The Look

partysugar — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 09:15:00 -0700

When browsing the party supply store for bachelorette party decorations, I came across nothing but tacky, raunchy, over the top accessories. However with a little ingenuity, an elegant and sophisticated look can be created at your bachelorette party. A purple, gray, and snake print theme is fabulous fun.

Place a gray placemat on a side table and have guests leave their presents there. Set the snacks and pecker cookies on snake print serving plates. Chill the Champagne in a faux snakeskin wine cooler and line flutes next to the cooler. Dim the lights and put candles in purple glass votives. Drape gray feather boas over the beds and dressers and arrange purple flowers in glass vases.

Purchase festive paper cocktail napkins with a bachelorette trivia game print. To keep the snake theme going with the party favors, give each guest a lip venom lip gloss. For more wedding ideas, check out IDoSugar.

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Come Party With Me: Bachelorette — Dessert

partysugar — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 15:00:56 -0700

Although most of a bachelorette party in Vegas will be spent living it up in the casinos, bars, restaurants, and nightclubs, I'm hosting a small lingerie shower for Elena in my hotel room. Along with some simple snacks, I'll serve sugar cookies.

However, these cookies won't be round like in the picture: I'm making them festive by using pecker cookie cutters!

To take a look at the cookie recipe,

Party Foul: Coming Empty Handed

partysugar — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 16:15:58 -0700

Recently I attended a friend's destination bachelorette party. I was having a lovely time until one of the organizers asked everyone to get their present. I looked around panic stricken and wondered how I didn't know about this special surprise. Apparently, a group of the girls decided to get flashy presents — lingerie, boas, sunglasses — for the bride to wear on our big night out. I loved the idea, but wondered why we weren't all included?

Giving out details to select guests or informing only a group of guests that gifts are expected is not cool. Not only does it make the hostess look bad — why have a party if you're not going to include everyone in the fun? — but it's rude and will leave guests feeling uncomfortable and out of place.

Has anyone been in a similar situation? Please share your bachelorette horror stories below!

For more wedding coverage, check out IDoSugar

Yummy Links: From Salmonella to Homemade Ricotta

partysugar — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 09:00:33 -0700

The raw tomato Salmonella outbreak has spread to 16 states. — FitSugar
A lovely alternative to classic pasta salad: Thai shiitake mushroom salad. — 28 Cooks
Isn't this gorgeous dress cake perfect for a bridal shower? — Frosted Garden
When baking, don't add too much flour while kneading. — The Kitchn
The best of ballpark food. — The New York Times
Due to the recession, Safeway's baker's dozen will only include 12 items. — Slashfood
Boxed wine isn't that bad. Here are six to try.—Mainstreet
Learn how to make homemade ricotta.—The Wednesday Chef

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Come Party With Me: Bachelorette — Menu

partysugar — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 07:45:15 -0700

When hosting a destination bachelorette party in a glamorous location like Vegas, set aside plenty of time to plan the party. Being organized with a schedule of events, set dinner reservations, and selected club locations will aid in making the event fabulously seamless. Let guests know what's up in advance, so they can pack appropriate clothing.

For my friend Elena's bachelorette party in Las Vegas, all of the meals will be eaten out. However, one of the nights before we go out, everyone will gather in my room for a lingerie shower. I've ordered a trio of appetizers — white bean hummus with kalamata relish, Bloody Mary cocktail meatballs, and spinach gruyere pinwheels — from the hotel, so everyone can sip Champagne and have a snack.

For more wedding coverage head over to IDoSugar. To take a look at these recipes,

Download Our Bachelorette Party Invitations!

partysugar — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 07:45:51 -0700

Hosting a bachelorette party is a rite of passage that the majority of women go through at some point in their life. To help you ladies who are hosting one this year, I asked our designer to create these fabulous free, downloadable invites! A memorable bash starts with the invitations and we have two divine designs for you to choose from. All you have to do is download the invite, print it out in color on white cardstock, fill in the details, and send!

This week I'm planning my girlfriend Elena's bachelorette party. We're heading to Vegas for her last fling before the ring, so her best gal pals will receive these Vegas inspired invites. To download this exact invite or another fun zebra print invite,

How to Make a Bridal Snack Pack

partysugar — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 05:30:47 -0700

Calling all bridesmaids, maids of honor, and mothers of the bride! The day of the wedding is sure to be an emotional, stressful time for the bride — and all people involved in the bridal party! — so make sure no one forgets to eat. After all, nobody should start drinking Champagne on an empty stomach! While you may not want a huge, sit down meal, it's nice to have a wide variety of healthy and tasty snacks. To learn how to create a wedding day snack pack, click the "Start" button. Source

Wedding Trend Alert: The Afterparty

partysugar — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 07:45:14 -0700

These days a wedding celebration doesn't have to end with the last dance or bouquet toss. Hosting a post-reception bash is an emerging trend in wedding planning. Usually these fetes happen after the majority of the guests have left and a younger, more enthusiastic crowd remains.

The afterparty gives the bride and groom more time with their close friends and the chance to let loose. Unlike the ceremony and reception —which may follow family traditions, cultural customs, or a certain etiquette — the afterparty can be exactly how the couple wants it to be. It's a newer trend so there is no norm to adhere to.

Do keep in theme with your wedding and have the bash at a nearby bar, an adjoining rented room, or hotel suite. Play fun music for late night dancing, and offer guests refreshing cocktails and tasty snacks.

The last wedding I went to there was a fabulously crazy afterparty in the hotel lobby. How about you, have you ever been to a wedding afterparty? Brides: Will you host a post-reception fiesta at your wedding?

For more wedding coverage check out IDoSugar.

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Don't Forget to Say Thanks!

partysugar — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 11:15:00 -0700

When planning your wedding, it's important to say thank you. Although a handwritten note may seem old-fashioned, it's thoughtful and shows your appreciation. Give thanks to the people who send you gifts and the people who help make your wedding happen. If a friend's friend made the wedding cake, send her a quick note expressing your gratitude.

To ensure that you send them in a timely manner — no later than three months after receiving the gift — order thank-you cards with the rest of your wedding stationery. Don't rely on the printed "Thank You" though, personalize the card with a few concise sentences. Choose cards that match the theme of your wedding or that state your names — like the vintage border cards ($69.50) seen here. Below are more of my favorite styles, what kind of thank-you card do you prefer?

For tips on writing the perfect thank you, check out Crane and Co.'s downloadable pamphlet that explains the art of saying thanks. For more tips to help you plan your wedding go to IDoSugar.

Jenna Bush's Wedding Cake: Love It or Hate It?

partysugar — Tue, 20 May 2008 03:00:05 -0700

The President's daughter, Jenna Bush, was recently married in a lavish but down-to-earth wedding at her family's ranch in Texas. Few details have been released about the ceremony, reception, and menu but rumor has it the cake was created by the Ultimate Cheesecake Bakery. The tres leches/dulce de leche cake had whipped cream frosting and fresh floral arrangements. By the time this photo was taken, the top tier of the confection had started to fall. While it's sad the top was tilting, it's probably something the happy couple will laugh about for years to come. I'm a huge fan of dulce de leche and can only imagine how delicious the cake must have tasted. Thoughts? Source

Jenna Bush's Wedding Cake: Love It or Hate It?

Love it

Hate it

Undecided

Adorable Kitchen Cakes

YumSugar — Wed, 14 May 2008 16:15:40 -0700

This week PartySugar's busy planning a spectacular Bridal Shower. There's a fantastic menu and beautifully-made printable invites. However if you're the one headed to the shower, not planning it, I found this adorable kitchen "cake" for you to bring.

This adorable Kitchen Cake ($59) from Etsy seller Hold the Flour, comes with an assortment of kitchen gadgets, such as heart-shaped measuring spoons, bell-shaped cookie cutters, and whisks, all wrapped up in a plush towel. Inside you'll find a bottle of Lemongrass Zen soap.

I think it's so cute, and would definitely make a nice centerpiece at a party. While this one looks extremely well put together, you could always experiment by creating your own. If you do, what sort of things would you put into it? Tell us in the comments below.

And for more wedding coverage, be sure to head over to IDoSugar.

Wedding Trend Alert: Couples Showers

partysugar — Wed, 14 May 2008 07:00:38 -0700

If bridal showers just aren't your style, consider hosting a couples shower. Coed, or "Jack and Jill" showers — in which the groom invites his male friends and family — are becoming more and more common. Think of a couples shower more like an engagement party. Host the party on the weekend and choose a menu that will please both men and women. For more tips on hosting a couples shower,

Wedding Cakes to Inspire All

YumSugar — Tue, 13 May 2008 11:00:24 -0700

Every time I check out the Yum Market, I always end up looking at serenityspeaks' bookmarks. She has lovingly hunted down tons of wedding cakes, and even grouped them by color.

I'm rather fond of this incredibly unique tiered cake with citrus accompaniments, but if it doesn't suit you scroll through her impressive list below. There's plenty to be inspired by.

And if this selection isn't enough, serenityspeaks actually found three more pages of wedding cake ideas for you.

Head to IDoSugar for more wedding coverage.

Come Party With Me: Bridal Shower — Menu

partysugar — Tue, 13 May 2008 08:00:31 -0700

A bridal shower is normally a female only event so plan a menu that is light with plenty of vegetarian options. Instead of serving a full meal or sit down salad at Elena's bridal shower, we'll offer guests an assortment of delectable crostini. Crostini — which means little toasts in Italian — can be topped with an endless amount of toppings. For Elena's shower guests will choose from mushroom ragu on chevre crostini, artichoke-parmesan crostini, eggplant caponata crostini, and roman style crostini. The crostini toppings and toasts can be made in advance and assembled the day of. To take a look at these amazing crostini recipes,

Come Party With Me: Bridal Shower — Invite

partysugar — Mon, 12 May 2008 09:45:58 -0700

Isn't it fabulous how many parties are associated with a wedding? For my girlfriend Elena, I've already planned an engagement party and the reception. This week I'm planning her bridal shower. All week long I'll be featuring my tips and ideas for the most memorable bridal shower. To get things started, we have to send invitations.

Since many of you are planning bridal showers, I asked our designer to create a set of gorgeous downloadable party invites! The invites are free, all you have to do is download, print, and fill them in. They're pretty, sophisticated, and come in three — blue, green, and pink — lovely colors.

To take a look at all of our wedding coverage go to IDoSugar. To download and print the bridal shower invite seen here,

Top Chef Quiz: Wedding Season

YumSugar — Thu, 08 May 2008 12:32:29 -0700

This year Top Chef caught the wedding bug, and forced the cheftestants to stay up all night. There was a lot of emotion, and a lot of hard work. It was a fun episode to watch — although I still missed restaurant wars — but were you paying close attention? Find out when you take our quiz!

Photos courtesy of Bravo

Let's Dish: Top Chef 4.9 — Wedding Wars

YumSugar — Thu, 08 May 2008 03:01:33 -0700

Now that the super-sized wedding themed episode of Top Chef is over — hope your TiVo didn't cut it off! — I want to know what you thought of it. Were you excited by the wedding wars? How about the relay? What about all the drama at the end? Let's dish all about it when you

Off to Market Recap: Wedding Favors

partysugar — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 01:00:29 -0700

Finding the perfect wedding favor is not an easy task. A good wedding favor should spark the memory of the wedding, be representative of the couple, and be somewhat useful. To inspire our blushing brides, I asked you to help me find the internet's most fabulous favors. You bookmarked the favors in the Yum Market on TeamSugar with the keyword tag, Wedding Favors.

My favorite favor was this pear shaped kitchen timer. It's ideal for a foodie fantasy wedding because it encourages guests to get cooking! Serenityspeaks discovered this timer that's functional and fabulous. Take a look at all of the favors below and let me know which one you love!

Don't know how to use the bookmarking feature of TeamSugar? Have no fear, geeksugar has created an easy how to. More ideas for your big day can be found at IDoSugar.

Come Party With Me: Wedding — The Look

partysugar — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 07:28:31 -0700

The decor of your wedding is what sets the mood for the entire evening, so pay special attention to pretty details and eye catching accents. The color and theme — already seen in the invitation — should be reflected in everything from the tabletop to the ceiling. Elena's wedding will be decorated with an orange, pink, and wood color palette.

Start by covering the table with textured orange tablecloths. Slide pink napkins into wooden rings and place on top of wood chargers. Use the tines of a fork to neatly hold the placecards. Serve everything from beer to water in sleek wine glasses. Hang pink and orange lanterns in various sizes at different lengths from the ceiling. Multiple bloom pink and orange floral arrangements are chic and festive. Romantic lighting is essential to enhance the atmosphere, so light hundreds of white candles.

For more wedding ideas check out check out IDoSugar.

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15 Horribly Tacky Cake Toppers

YumSugar — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 05:27:19 -0700

First of all, let me start by saying I'm really sorry if you used any of these cake toppers at your wedding. Maybe I just don't get your humor. Secondly, let me add to that by saying these are some truly tacky cake toppers. From mermice — yes mermaid + mice = mermice! — to fighting couples, I think I can guarantee that you won't find these cake toppers on any 2008 trends list.

Come Party With Me: Wedding — Drinks

partysugar — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 14:31:19 -0700

One of the biggest expenses at a wedding reception is the drinks. Hosting a full open bar is a costly option, and if you don't have an unlimited budget, I would not recommend doing it. Instead offer guests one signature cocktail and an assortment of beer and wine. Another option is to host a day reception, because people don't drink as much when the sun's out. Be sure to ask the wait staff not to pre-open wine bottles. If they do, you may be left with a bunch of open, full bottles.

Along with the signature cocktail at Elena and Sean's wedding, guests will have a choice of Champagne, red or white wine, or a selection of local beers. The cocktail is a refreshing, delish blend of rum, cointreau, and sparkling pomegranate. It has a glorious hue that matches the wedding's color scheme.

For more wonderful wedding ideas, check out IDoSugar. To take a look at the recipe,

Wedding Food Trends for 2008

YumSugar — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 01:01:27 -0700

We've discussed a lot of the current wedding trends from centerpieces, to wedding cakes, but now it's time to address the actual meal. Do you serve a fully catered sit-down meal? Or do you opt for something more trendy? To find out what's in for wedding food 2008, click the "Start" button.

Come Party With Me: Wedding — Dessert

partysugar — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:08:33 -0700

Once you've decided which cake trend suits your wedding style, it's time to think about the flavor of the cake. Although many couples have differing tastes, you can compromise on a flavor that suits both of you. Each layer can be different, or you can offer a variety of smaller cakes.

Since Sean likes vanilla and Elena loves chocolate, they've decided to serve a marble cake at their reception. A marble cake is made with both chocolate and vanilla batters. The final cake is topped with with a swiss meringue buttercream.

For more wedding ideas, check out IDoSugar. To take a look at the recipe — it's a little complicated! —

Wedding Centerpiece Trends

partysugar — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 09:13:38 -0700

One of the many decisions you have to make when planning your wedding is how to style the tables. A spectacular centerpiece on the table is like the icing on the cake. It's an eye catching piece of decor that stimulates conversation and sets the atmosphere for the reception. This year centerpieces have moved beyond the traditional: fruits and vegetables abound, nature adds down-to-earth glamor, and the glowing cast of candles shadow the arrangements. To see some of the most popular centerpiece trends, click the "Start" button.

Off to Market: Wedding Favors

partysugar — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 03:01:33 -0700

Finding the perfect wedding favor is not an easy task. A good wedding favor should spark the memory of the wedding, be representative of the couple, and be somewhat useful. If we all search for excellent favors, imagine how many fresh ideas we can come up with! Let's head off to market in search of a variety of wedding favors. Bookmark the favors in the Yum Market on TeamSugar with the keyword tag, Wedding Favors. I'm extremely excited to see what you discover!

Don't know how to use the bookmarking feature of TeamSugar? Have no fear, geeksugar has created an easy how to.

To check out where I shop online,

Come Party With Me: Wedding — Menu

partysugar — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 14:18:11 -0700

When planning the menu for your wedding, it's important to remember what time of year the ceremony will take place in. It's tempting to want to incorporate Spring's asparagus and strawberries into the menu, but Elena's wedding will take place in October, a time when neither asparagus or strawberries are in season.

Thus this menu features seasonal twists on classic, yet sophisticated dishes that highlight some of Sean and Elena's favorite foods. A mixture of meat and vegetarian appetizers will start off the evening. Since the couple is originally from Buffalo, NY, spicy buffalo wing bites are a must. Double mushroom pizza is a nice vegetarian alternative.

Elena loves beets, so a roasted beet and goat cheese salad makes a lovely first course. For the entrée, guests have a choice of halibut with Fall vegetables or steak with blue cheese potatoes. Both main dishes are decadent and delicious.

For more wedding planning mania, check out IDoSugar. To look at these recipes,

8 Ways to Greenify Your Wedding

YumSugar — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 06:30:00 -0700

We're right in the middle of wedding season here at the Sugar Network, and being that today is Earth Day, both CasaSugar, geeksugar and I are hoping to help you green your wedding. Casa's got great tips regarding flowers and travel and Geek's got a list of ways to eco-fy your ceremony. Me? Well I've got tips regarding food, decor and favors. To see what we've got up our sleeve, click the "Start" button. Source

Come Party With Me: Wedding — Invite

partysugar — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 13:28:33 -0700

A couple of weeks ago I planned an engagement party for my friend Elena, and this week, the saga continues with her wedding. During the process, I'll feature my tips and ideas on how to host a fabulous wedding, so interpret them to your own liking. Elena and her fiancé are hosting a destination wedding in Lake Tahoe. Both the ceremony and reception will take place at a friend's house that overlooks the lake. The wedding isn't until October '09, so we have plenty of time to make and send the invitations. Elena's colors are orange and fuchsia with wood and khaki accents. To see how I made these earthy, elegant invites,

Top 10 Wedding Cake Trends of 2008

YumSugar — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 11:18:39 -0700

The wedding cake is the unspoken centerpiece of the wedding reception. Whether it's a chocolate sensation or a demure statement, everyone's bound to remark on what the cake looks like. This year there are more metallics, colors, and, of course, small cakes. To see all the wedding cake trends for 2008, click the "Start" button.

10 Kitchen-Themed Favors

YumSugar — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 16:01:33 -0700

If you're looking for food-related wedding favors but want something that will last longer than an edible favor, then check out our list of kitchen-themed gifts for guests. My favorite part is the horribly cheesy puns they use to sell you on them. From the "gratest" love to stuff that "a-peels," you'll find kitchen-themed wedding favors when you click the Start button.

Yummy Link: Bride and Groom Cupcakes

YumSugar — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 11:49:43 -0700

All you need is love, and a few cupcakes! These bride and groom cupcakes are almost too cute to eat! — 52 Cupcakes

Gorgeous and Glamourous Wedding Invitations

partysugar — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 16:12:58 -0700

After selecting the location and date of your wedding, the next most important decision is the design of your invitation. The invite should clearly illustrate the mood, atmosphere, and overall theme of your wedding. Before deciding on a look for your wedding's invitation, be sure to browse plenty of invites to figure out what kind is right for you and your fiancé. To inspire you, I've rounded up a bunch of my favorite invites. To check them out please click on the "Start" button.

10 Ways to Turn Your Wedding Into a Foodie Fantasy

YumSugar — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 16:18:33 -0700

Are you a pair of foodies who are getting hitched? If so then check out these tips we've come up with to make sure that your wedding shows off your food personality. From kitchen bouquets to dessert bars, we've thought of 10 things that will turn your wedding into a foodie fantasy. Source

What Should You Ask a Caterer?

YumSugar — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 14:21:11 -0700

Are you tying the knot anytime soon? If so then you may want to check out these 17 Questions to Ask Your Caterer. The folks at theknot.com have put together a pretty intensive list, but here are some of the highlights.

Do they specialize in a certain type of food, and can they arrange for a tasting?
What is their price range, and is there an all-inclusive rate available?
Will they be able to provide tables, chairs, linens, silverware, etc.?
Can they include a recipe you provide, such as a sentimental family dish?
Can they ask for variations for specified guests such as vegetarian, vegan, or kosher meals?
Where is the food prepared, and how long will it travel?
Do they do alcohol, if so is there an all-inclusive rate? How about a corkage fee?
How about cakes? Do they do cakes?
Do they have photos of their work? Just because it tastes excellent, doesn't mean it's going to look great. See photos and get references.

These are just some of the tips the knot offered up. Do you have any others? What would you recommend?

Want more wedding coverage? Check out more articles over at IDoSugar.

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Top 10 Edible Wedding Favors

YumSugar — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 15:13:31 -0700

Edible wedding favors are definitely in vogue at the moment. They're a nice way to celebrate the day, and they won't clutter up your guest's homes in the future. From cocoa to olive oil, there's something for every couple's taste buds. I've rounded up several fun options, to see them all click the "Start" button.

Registry Roundup: Gadgets and Gizmos!

YumSugar — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 04:28:51 -0700

One of the most fun things to add to your wedding registry is kitchen gadgets! From microwave ovens to coffee bean grinders, no kitchen is complete without a few gizmos. When choosing your registry items, be sure to look through your items first. If you already have a state-of-the-art mixer, then there's no need to register for another. If you never drink coffee, why bother with an espresso machine? Also, take note of which of your items you want to replace, and the colors you'll want to get.

Not sure where to begin? Take a look at our handy printable registry as well as all of our wedding coverage at IDoSugar.

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Fabulous Ways To Save The Date

partysugar — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 12:25:15 -0700

These days people rarely get married without sending save the date cards. They are wonderful because they let your guests know well in advance about your wedding. Although it's not absolutely necessary, if you're having a destination wedding, be sure to send save the date cards so your friends and family can think about travel arrangements. Once you have decided on the date and location of your wedding, mail the save the date cards out to your guests, at least 6-12 months in advance. There are many different ways to save the date — you don't just have to send cards! For some creative save the date card ideas click the "Start Slideshow" button. Source

Come Party With Me: Engagement Party — The Look

partysugar — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 07:28:31 -0700

My gal pal Elena has already chosen burnt orange and fuchsia with wood or bamboo accents to be the colors of her wedding. These colors were in the invite to her engagement party, so naturally I will include the colors in the decor of the soirée. Start by covering the tables with a white tablecloth. This will act as a background and make the colors pop. Cover the table with a wooden runner. Serve the food in rattan serving bowls and on wooden platters. Stack orange appetizer plates near the hors d'oeurves so guests can help themselves.

Splurge on festive napkins that say the couple's names — after the party, give the extra to the couple as an engagement gift. For an elegant look pour the champagne and drinks in simple flutes. Light candles in clear votives to create a glowing, seductive atmosphere. Arrange pink and orange flowers in luscious bouquets and place around the event space. Tie pink satin ribbon onto chairs or banisters for a pretty finishing touch.

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Registry Roundup: Cook Up a Perfect Kitchen

YumSugar — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 01:18:51 -0700

We've covered all the items you should register for in order to create the perfect tablescape. And today we're talking about everything you need in order to create the food for the table! That's right, today it's all about cookware and bakeware.

If you're a big baking fan, then take the opportunity to register for all the things you've been wanting to splurge on. However, if you don't bake, don't bother with every kind of cake pan, just stick with a few basics. Don't worry about sticking to sets either. Get the pieces you want in order to create the best set for you and your sweetie.

Not sure where to begin? Take a look at our handy printable registry as well as all of our wedding coverage at IDoSugar.

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